Sportswear International
E-commerce organisation responds quickly to the huge surge in seasonal online purchase behaviour
The challenge
SWI did not have enough warehouse space to maintain continuous workflow & cope with increased stock levels during peaks in customer activity.
The solution
To design a temporary building extension that could accommodate short-term overspill and support long-term accelerated levels of growth.
Key facts
- 4,000 sq ft extension
- Additional racking
- Improved accessibility
- Necessary groundworks
- Structural support system
- Cladding removal
Project overview
As a leading online provider of children’s school clothing, SWI expect volumes to rise to very significant peaks across the summer. This puts a lot of pressure on the Operations Team to process orders efficiently and ensure replacements are sent out as quickly as possible. During this time, SWI are operational 24 hours a day for an 8-week period.
CopriSystems were initially briefed to design an additional temporary building, however this soon became an essential extension required to cope with the constant filtering of goods in and out and ensure that the myriad of orders are picked and packed accurately. Additional racking also allowed for more storage space so SWI could be prepared for increased stock levels.
Positioned to the side of the main warehouse, the site was originally uneven dead space so CopriSystems undertook the necessary groundworks and improved accessibility. This involved making an opening in the main building by removing cladding, purlins, bracing bars and installing a structural support system with insulated sectional door to match the rest of the aesthetics.
As the work evolved, CopriSystems were asked to design a smoking shelter that blended in seamlessly with the rest of the structure but would give staff a designated space away from the front gates, out of customer view. CopriSystems were also instructed to carry out on-the-spot general maintenance and resolve a Health & Safety issue that was raised at the time. All this work was carried out during SWI’s peak season with minimal disruption to the retailers.
CopriSystems’ structures have never been more relevant in the world of e-commerce.
Multi-use temporary buildings that are quick to deploy can better meet the needs of organisations who must respond to seasonal pressure points and accelerating levels of growth.
According to SWI’s Commercial Director, the temporary extension measuring just under 4,000 sq ft. gave them the flexibility to transform this space into a different working layout every day, enabling the company to cope with the challenges it faced across dynamic periods.
